Have you heard of seed cycling before? It’s an impressive healing method that uses seeds during thee menstrual phases to balance hormones, promote detoxification and reduce PMS.

A woman’s hormones fluctuate during the month and are influenced by the menstrual cycle, diet, exercise, sleep, stress and environmental toxins. Due to these factors, balancing your hormonal profile can be a very delicate act and when they are imbalanced, they can present the following health concerns: irregular periods, acne, infertility, PCOS, heavy clotty periods, PCOS, endometriosis, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and thyroid disorders.

Using seed cycling is a  natural and effective way to keep your hormones in harmony during any stage of life, including menopause.  I particularly recommend seed cycling for my patients that are transitioning off their hormonal birth control to rebalance their hormones and support detoxification.

How do I start seed cycling?

Seed cycling is based on the two phases of the menstrual cycle, the Follicular Phase which is the first 14 days of your cycle and the Luteal Phase which is the following 14 days of your cycle.

DAYS 1-14 OF YOUR CYCLE (follicular phase)

·         2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds

·         2 tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds

DAYS 15-28 OF YOUR CYCLE (luteal phase)

·         2 tablespoons ground sunflower seeds

·         2 tablespoons ground sesame seeds

HINTS:

If you do not have a 28-day cycle done worry! Many women vary from 24 days to 32 days. Tracking your menstrual cycle is key when it comes to using seed cycling. The follicular phase starts from the first day of your period until ovulation. The luteal phase happens after ovulation until you bleed.

HOW DO SEEDS BALANCE HORMONES?

 Seeds contain key nutrients and compounds that specifically work on your hormonal profile in various ways throughout the month.

What are the two phases of the menstrual cycle?

FOLLICULAR PHASE

During the first phase of your menstrual cycle, estrogen levels increase, stimulating the growth of the uterine lining (the blood). Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds help to improve the levels of estrogen whilst preventing excess estrogen. Flax seeds contain lignans which can bind to excess estrogen made during this phase and clear them out of your body. Flaxseeds are also considered a very powerful phytoestrogen which can bind to receptors and have a weak-estrogen effect. This means that it will benefit women who are experiencing heavy clotty periods or endometriosis by reducing the growth of cells and uterine lining. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which supports progesterone production as you move into the peak of progesterone in the second phase of your cycle.

LUTEAL PHASE

During the second phase of the menstrual cycle, estrogen clears out and progesterone surges after the release of an egg. Zinc is an essential nutrient that is required to boost progesterone production and are found in high amount in sesame seeds making them perfect to take during this phase. Sunflower seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and selenium to further support progesterone production as well as support healthy detoxification of estrogen and thyroid health. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E also help to reduce inflammation which can reduce PMS symptoms such as cramping and bloating.

How to use seeds daily

It is recommended to have 1-2 tablespoons of specific seeds each day. It is important that you buy the seeds whole and grind them yourself in a blender to obtain the essential fats, fibres and nutrients. Some easy ways that you can add these seeds to your daily diet are:

• Blend them into your smoothies

• Sprinkle the seeds over your granola or yoghurt

• Add them into a chia seed pudding or overnight oats for breakfast

• Use seeds in a fresh pesto with basil, lemon and tahini

• Homemade granola with nuts and seeds

• Switch to seeded crackers instead of bread